By THEEBEETSILE KEAMEDITSE
North West Premier, Bushy Maape said his government has re-committed itself to work with traditional leaders to address challenges of socio-economic concern confronting the province.
As part of solidifying and strengthening relations with traditional councils across the province, Maape who was accompanied by Members of the Executive Council (MECs) paid homage to the Barolong Boora Tshidi Royal Family on Wednesday.
The visit was preceded by laying the wreath at the burial site of struggle veteran and the first recording secretary of the African National Congress (ANC), George Dick Montshioa, where the government committed to give the site a facelift by erecting a statue in his memory.
Maape said the government has also committed to prioritise the socio-economic development of the provincial capital through provision of services and creation of jobs. He further said this will include upgrading the drainage system as well as resurfacing the roads in Mahikeng and surrounding areas.
“These are the on-going efforts by the government in cementing relations with traditional leaders by expediting the delivery of services and creating jobs. Our priorities are centred on infrastructure development, service delivery as well as promoting and preserving the history of Barolong with the sole purpose of re-igniting tourism in the provincial capital.
“This will go a long way in creating jobs for our people. Moreover, this will attract investment and our people will be able to participate actively in the economy” he said.
Maape added that further engagements between the government and Barolong Boora Tshidi will continue to ensure the implementation of commitments made.
Kgosi Jeff Montshioa of Barolong Boora Tshidi believes the commitments by the government are a step in the right direction.
“Mahikeng is the ancestral land of the Barolong people. They played an important role in the liberation and democratisation of this country. We are grateful that the government is now recognising this important role by honouring our forebears.
“We are also elated that they are forging a relationship in finding solutions to many challenges affecting our communities,” said Montshioa.
(Edited by: Obakeng Maje)
The Guardian 